Quick Start to Animation in 3ds Max: Volume 1

Welcome to the Quick Start to Animation in 3ds Max. Quick Starts are a series of specially-constructed tutorials meant to be followed in sequence and including valuable exercises to reinforce learned concepts. The lesson format for these Quick Starts will be similar to other Digital-Tutors introductory training. We'll go through 3ds Max's Animation Tools in a very methodical way, making sure to cover the tools and techniques that are most important in enabling you to get up and running quickly. Each volume of a Quick Start will build upon the previous volume, enabling us to progressively build up a complex project into a finished state. In this initial volume, we'll cover the basics of getting started with the animation tools in 3ds Max. We'll learn how to set our animation preferences and create keyframes. We'll learn about 3ds Max's Dope Sheet, which is used to retime animation. We'll also jump into the Curve Editor and learn how it can be used to polish and cycle animation in 3ds Max. To conclude the tutorial, we'll learn how to view our work in real-time. While building a project together, you'll be provided with valuable knowledge, and the real power comes from being able to take the techniques you've learned and apply them in a different way to your own work. With this in mind, you'll be presented with an assignment immediately following each volume. These assignments will challenge you to take the skills that you've learned in a particular volume and apply them to a different asset. These tutorials are designed to be taken in sequence so we really encourage you to start with this volume and proceed all the way through to Volume 3, all so you can take advantage of the periodic assignments along the way to get the full learning experience. For an additional learning resource, download your free copy of our Key Animation Terms Reference Guide and PDF so you can get comfortable with important 3D animation terminology. Software required: Autodesk 3d Max 2015.